Ceramic matrix composite and metal attachment configurations

Abstract

A ceramic matrix composite (CMC) and metal attachment configuration is provided. The CMC and metal attachment may include a metal plate, a CMC plate, a spacer, a metal bolt and a nut. Metal plate may include metal plate aperture. CMC plate may be adjacent metal plate and may include CMC plate aperture aligned with metal plate aperture. Spacer may be adjacent to CMC, and spacer may include spacer aperture aligned with metal plate and CMC apertures. Metal bolt may have first and second ends, second end may be operable to fit into aligned spacer, CMC plate, and metal apertures, to attach spacer, CMC plate and metal plate. Nut may be adjacent to metal plate and may be operable to receive second end of bolt. Spacer may allow metal plate, having a high coefficient of thermal expansion, to be attached to CMC plate, having a low coefficient of thermal expansion.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 666,826 filed on Jun. 30, 2012, and entitled “CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITE AND METAL ATTACHMENT CONFIGURATIONS,” the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference as if fully rewritten herein.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates generally to turbines. More specifically, to attaching ceramic matrix composites (CMC) in gas turbines to metal components with a bolt.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Generally, ceramic matrix composite turbine components require attachment to adjoining metallic hardware and / or metallic surfaces. Two disadvantages associated with attaching a CMC to metallic hardware are the wear of the metallic hardware by the hard, abrasive ceramic material surface, and the lack of load distribution in the CMC. Additionally, differences between the coefficients of thermal expansion between the metal and ceramic matri...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a way to attach a ceramic matrix composite plate to a metal plate using a bolt and nut. The bolt has a channel that is designed to match the size of the apertures in the plates, which helps to prevent the bolt from expanding or contracting at a different rate than the plates. This helps to keep the plates secure and minimizes any movement or cracks that might occur due to changes in temperature. Overall, this attachment configuration provides a secure and reliable connection between the ceramic and metal plates.

Problems solved by technology

Two disadvantages associated with attaching a CMC to metallic hardware are the wear of the metallic hardware by the hard, abrasive ceramic material surface, and the lack of load distribution in the CMC.

Additionally, differences between the coefficients of thermal expansion between the metal and ceramic matrix composite make attaching metal and ceramic matrix composites challenging.

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